UK Threatens Sweeping Visa Sanctions on Namibia, Angola, DRC: What This Means for African Mobililty

The United Kingdom’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has issued a stark warning that could reshape travel and business ties between the UK and several southern African nations. In a move that has sent ripples through the African travel and business community, Mahmood announced in the House of Commons that the UK is prepared to impose comprehensive visa sanctions on citizens of Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) if these countries do not swiftly enhance their cooperation on the return of nationals who have migrated to the UK illegally.

This proposed action, described as a “Trump-style blockade,” would see a halt to the issuance of UK visas for tourists, VIPs, and businesspeople from the affected countries. The implications are significant, not only for leisure and corporate travel but also for the broader economic and diplomatic relationships between the UK and these African nations .

Mahmood’s message was unequivocal: “In Britain, we play by the rules. When I said there would be penalties for countries that do not take back criminals and illegal immigrants, I meant it. My message to foreign governments today is clear: accept the return of your citizens or lose the privilege of entering our country.” This statement underscores a new era of strict migration enforcement and signals a shift in the UK’s approach to international cooperation on migration issues.

The UK government’s stance is part of a broader package of radical asylum reforms aimed at curbing illegal migration and streamlining deportations. Inspired by the Danish model, these reforms are designed to make the UK less attractive to illegal immigrants and to facilitate the removal of those who do not have legal status. Among the measures under consideration is an “emergency brake” on visas for nationals of countries whose citizens make high numbers of asylum claims, even if they initially entered the UK legally.

For the African travel sector, the potential impact is profound. The UK has long been a key destination for African tourists, students, and business leaders. A visa ban would not only disrupt personal and professional travel plans but could also affect bilateral trade, investment, and educational exchanges. The threat of sanctions comes at a time when African economies are increasingly interconnected with global markets, and mobility is a critical driver of growth and opportunity.

Recent data from the UK government highlights the scale of the issue. The number of Namibians seeking asylum in the UK has surged dramatically in recent years, rising from just 27 in 2016 to over 1,400 in 2024. This increase has outpaced asylum applications from countries experiencing active conflict, such as Sudan, Syria, and Afghanistan. The spike in Namibian asylum seekers followed the UK’s decision in 2016 to end the working holiday visa arrangement for all countries, which had previously provided a legal pathway for young Namibians to live and work in the UK.

After the termination of this program, the number of Namibian asylum applications rose steadily: 101 in 2017, 265 in 2018, and 436 in 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic saw a temporary decline, with 228 applications in 2020 and 137 in 2021. However, by June 2023, applications had soared to 1,428, making Namibia the 15th-largest source of asylum requests to the UK. Notably, around 90% of these applications were rejected in 2023, reflecting the UK’s increasingly stringent asylum policies.

The UK government’s frustration is not limited to Namibia. Angola and the DRC have also been singled out for their lack of cooperation in accepting the return of their nationals who have been ordered to leave the UK. Collectively, these three countries have reportedly refused to take back more than 4,000 illegal migrants and foreign criminals, prompting the UK to consider a sliding scale of sanctions if cooperation does not improve within a month.

For African travel professionals, these developments raise urgent questions about the future of mobility, business, and international partnerships. The threat of visa sanctions could force a reevaluation of travel strategies, with a need to diversify destination offerings and strengthen intra-African tourism and business links. It also highlights the importance of robust government-to-government dialogue to resolve migration challenges without resorting to punitive measures that could harm ordinary citizens and legitimate travelers.

Industry observers note that the UK’s approach is part of a wider trend among Western countries to tighten migration controls and prioritize domestic political concerns. However, such measures risk undermining the spirit of international cooperation and could have unintended consequences for economic development and people-to-people exchanges. For African nations, the challenge will be to balance the need for effective migration management with the imperative to protect the rights and interests of their citizens abroad.

As the UK prepares to implement its most sweeping migration reforms in modern times, African stakeholders must stay informed and proactive. The evolving landscape calls for innovative solutions, including enhanced consular support, legal migration pathways, and regional cooperation to address the root causes of irregular migration. At the same time, there is an opportunity for African countries to assert their interests and negotiate fair and mutually beneficial arrangements with international partners.

The coming weeks will be critical as the UK government finalizes its policy and affected countries respond. For now, the message from London is clear: cooperation on migration is no longer optional, and the consequences of non-compliance will be felt across borders and industries. African travel professionals should prepare for potential disruptions while advocating for policies that support safe, legal, and dignified mobility for all.